Maine § 2263-A. - Littering
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 2263-A. — Littering, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2263-A.. Littering
1. Prohibited acts. A person may not intentionally throw, drop, deposit, discard, dump or otherwise dispose of litter in any manner or amount:
A. In or on public highway, road, street, alley, public right-of-way or other public lands, except in a container or receptacle or on property that is designated for disposal of garbage and refuse by the State or its agencies or political subdivisions; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §32 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
B. In freshwater lake, river, stream, tidal or coastal water or on ice over the water. When any litter is thrown or discarded from a watercraft, a person is in violation of this section if that person is:
(2) The person actually disposing of the litter.
This paragraph does not prohibit persons who fish, lobster or otherwise harvest from the water from returning to the water harvested products, bait and similar materials that naturally originate in the water; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §32 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
C. In or on any private property, unless:
(2) The litter is not a public nuisance or in violation of any state law or local rule; [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §32 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
D. From a trailer or vehicle that is constructed, loaded or uncovered in such a way that the load may drop, sift, leak or otherwise escape. This paragraph applies to vehicles or trailers carrying trash, rubbish or other materials that may be construed as "litter"; or [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §32 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
E. From a vehicle. When any litter is thrown or discarded from a vehicle, a person is in violation of this section if that person is:
(2) The person actually disposing of the litter. [PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. I, §32 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 452, Pt. X, §2 (AFF).]
It is a violation of this chapter for a person to intentionally release outdoors a balloon that is inflated or filled with a gas that is lighter than air, except that it is not a violation of this chapter for a person to intentionally release outdoors a balloon carrying scientific instrumentation, a balloon used for meteorological observation by a governmental or scientific organization or a hot air balloon that is recovered after launching.
In addition to any penalty under section 2264‑A, violation of this subsection is a traffic infraction under Title 29‑A, chapter 23, subchapter 6.
A record of a violation of this subsection must be forwarded to the Secretary of State who, in accordance with Title 29‑A, section 2607, shall add the violation to the department's point system. The violation is counted in determining an individual's total points under the point system of the Department of the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
2. Commercial purpose presumed. For the purposes of this chapter, if a person dumps litter from a commercial vehicle, that person is presumed to have dumped the litter for a commercial purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 2263-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 2263-A. cover?
Section 2263-A. ("Littering") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 2263-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 2263-A." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 2263-A. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.